Amplatzer ASD occluder

May 30, 2007 at 5:36 PM CDT - Updated July 26 at 9:05 AM

How Does The New Device Work?

By using the mesh device called the Amplatzer ASD occluder, Dr. Zhang was able toclose the defect in a hospital procedure room known as the catheterization laboratory.The Amplatzer ASD occluder, which was approved by FDA, is a two-tiered expandingdevice that closes the ASD. There are different-sized devices, ranging from 4 millimetersto 3.8 centimeters.

The cardiologist determines what size Amplatzer occluder to use by inflating a smallballoon within the defect, and measuring the indentation in the balloon created by thedefect. The Amplatzer occluder is then inserted through a catheter and placed securelyin the hole. The clamshell-like device closes the hole and then stays in the heart.

The patient receives general anesthesia, and no large incision is needed. The closure canbe performed as a semi-outpatient procedure, and the recovery time is one day. This typeof treatment is much less traumatic for patients because they are able to go home one dayafter the procedure, and there is no incision or scarring.

Not every ASD can be closed this way. But for those conditions that meet the criteria forthis procedure, the technique used by Dr. Zhang dramatically simplifies the procedurerequired to correct the condition while reducing the risks and recovery period for thepatient.

For more information about this procedure, please call Cardiovascular Consultants, at(318)631.6400.